Wall Alchemy

Looking for state-of-the-art wallcoverings? Creativity is encouraged at new arrival Arte, so expect highly original collections from this Belgian family business. The new showroom is conceived as a cabinet of curiosities where visitors are encouraged to explore, says sales director Miguel Pereira: “We were tired of the same way of showcasing wallcoverings. This is more like a laboratory, or a museum.” Wenge and brass freestanding furniture breaks up the large showroom space and samples are housed in drawers and racks; there are comfortable chairs on which to linger and working areas to spread out ideas. For Alchemy (pictured)the designers took inspiration from the ancient practice of attempting to turn lead into gold: the result is a collection that transforms plain surfaces into noble, subtly sparkling walls.